Ferndale volleyball focusing on reaching second day of state

Ferndale's Taryn Potter bumps the ball during a 3-0 to Capital in the first round of the Class 3A state volleyball tournament on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Wash. Evan AbellThe Bellingham Herald

Ferndale's Taryn Potter bumps the ball during a 3-0 to Capital in the first round of the Class 3A state volleyball tournament on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, Wash. Evan AbellThe Bellingham Herald

Coach: Patti Hoelzle

Last year: Went 14-6 overall and 9-3 in the Northwest Conference (fourth). ... Won final five matches of the regular season before going 3-1 in the Class 3A District Tournament, including two straight-set wins over Oak Harbor. ... Lost first two matches of state tournament, ending their season.

Outlook: Two years in a row the Golden Eagles have made it to state but haven’t been able to get to the second day, losing the first two games both years. So with a strong crop of five seniors and a bunch of talented juniors, there’s one thing on the Golden Eagles mind: Saturday at state and coach Patti Hoelzle thinks this group is talented enough to do it. Not only do the Golden Eagles boast talent such as Whitney Walker, Rose Compton and Taryn Potter, but they play with a lot of heart and desire, evidenced by their request to stay late after practice Aug. 28 to continue to work. It’s also a group that knows how to take criticism from Hoelzle and each other, “which isn’t something you see often in high school girls,” Hoelzle said, adding that the team consists of mainly year-round volleyball players. While Ferndale’s eyes are on state, there’s still a few key Northwest Conference matches they’re eyeing as big tests, most notably Sehome, Lynden Christian and Burlington-Edison. If the Golden Eagles want a league title, they’ll have to be on top of their game, but Potter sent a warning to other NWC clubs, “be ready for us.”